2-713-199 - Historic England Archive/Heritage Images

Rood, Abbey Church of St Mary and St Ethelflaeda, Romsey, Hampshire, c1955-c1980. A detailed view of the church's Saxon rood, situated on the exterior west wall of the south transept, with a modern hood. The foundations for the church are likely to date from 907, and established by Edward the Elder. The site was then reconsitituted by Edgar in 967 and dedicated to St Mary and St Ethelflaeda, or St Elflaeda. The current church dates from the 12th century, with the build continuing until c1230 and constructed with stone from Chilmark. It was dissolved in 1539 and re-established as the parish church. It has a cruciform plan, with aisled nave, north and south transepts, central crossing tower and an aisled choir and chancel. On the east sides of the transepts are apsidal chapels, and there was formerly a Lady Chapel on the eastern end of the church. The rood dates from the Saxon period, and would have originally been situated inside the church. It was most likely moved to is current position in the 12th century, when cloisters were added south of the nave. It has been eroded due to the weather.